A university researcher finds that diabetic patients who took up to 325 milligrams per day of aspirin had 23 percent lower risk of a heart-related death.

For diabetics, a few extra doses of aspirin a day may help with heart troubles.

A study by University of Alberta resercher Scot Simpson looked at the preventive effects of aspirin in regards to cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes.

Simpson's research found that diabetic patients who experienced cardiovascular problems in the past and took low doses of aspirin on a daily basis showed no improvement in heart-related deaths.

On the other hand, diabetic patients who took higher doses of aspirin saw a lower rate of repeated heart problems.

"We took all of the data from 21 studies and focused specifically on diabetic patients who had suffered a previous heart attack or stroke to measure the ability of aspirin to prevent a second event. We found that, if those patients took up to 325 milligrams of aspirin per day, they had a 23 percent lower risk of death," Simpson said in a news release.

Simpson, an associate professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta, had previously thought that aspirin would aid diabetics with heart problems, especially as diabetics have a 60 percent chance of dying from heart-related complications.

The study also pushed for pharmacists to be more involved since aspirin is an over-the-counter medication.

"Whether that means working directly with the physician, and consulting about prescribed medications, or when the patient is deciding about whether or not to take aspirin as part of a treatment plan, pharmacists can have a significant, positive impact," said Simpson.